Enhanced Locating Technologies for Underground Pipelines with Better Accuracy
Summary
SCH Number
2020070366
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Enhanced Locating Technologies for Underground Pipelines with Better Accuracy
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/17/2020
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to enhance and demonstrate a natural gas pipeline locate technology that improves the accuracy of locates in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions over current practices and technologies using adapted and improved above-ground large standoff three dimensional electromagnetic (3DEM) detection technology and an in-pipe gyroscopic mapping device. This technology will increase detection reliability of underground pipelines, thereby minimizing the likelihood of damages due to encroachment.
Contact Information
Name
Reta Ortiz
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Institute of Gas Technology dba Gas Technology Institute
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Cities
TBD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15306 provides that projects which consist of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities, which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. The physical aspects of this project consist of laboratory testing and field demonstration of enhanced detection of underground pipelines using adapted and improved above-ground large standoff three-dimensional electromagnetic (3DEM) detection technology and an in-pipe gyroscopic mapping device. The technology will function as a non-intrusive device, able to collect data without disruption of the subsurface or insertion of the sensor, electrodes, or other mechanisms into the ground. The project requires at least a 6-month field test at sites volunteered by California utilities to demonstrate the improved technology under a variety of field conditions. The field demonstrations of the study will be performed during routine inspection and maintenance work performed by the gas utilities in California. These demonstrations are not expected to cause any additional environmental impact beyond the activities currently approved and performed by the local utilities and pipeline operators .For these reasons, the proposed work will not have any significant effect on the environment and falls under section 15306.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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